- Practicing Biodynamic
- 100% Syrah
- Horseshoe Vineyard (Santa Cruz Mountains AVA)
- Planted in 2004 and the Syrah clones are Alban, Chave and Syrah Noir. The elevation is 1260′-1610′
- Soil is Monterey formation with intermingled limestone
- Hand-harvested
- Native yeast fermentation
- 100% whole cluster with twice a day pumpovers
- Aged 10 months in neutral barrels, then 12 more months in 25hL cask
- 13% ABV
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2016
Country:
United States
Region:
California
Appellation:
Santa Cruz Mountains
Variety:
Syrah
Color:
Red
Farming Practice:
Practicing Biodynamic
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | US-RHY-50-16 | 12/750ml |
Resources
Press & Reviews
Vinous
Score
95
Date
2019-05-01
"The 2016 Syrah Horseshoe Vineyard is incredibly elegant and finessed. Aging in 25HL cask give the Syrah striking translucence and energy, with less bombastic fruit than in the past, and far greater nuance. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, mint and sage are all lifted by the 100% whole clusters, while firm yet well-integrated tannins give energy and cut. I can't wait to see how the 2016 ages. The 2016 spent 28 months in oak."
Wine Advocate
Score
93+
Date
2018-05-31
"The 2016 Syrah Horseshoe Vineyard exhibits aromas of crunchy wild berries, juniper, cracked black pepper, rich soil and subtle smoke. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, firm and chewy, with super depth and concentration, a multidimensional core and a long, taut finish. Harvested in mid-October, this is going to demand plenty of patience, but it's full of promise."
Jeb Dunnuck
Score
92+
Date
2019-10-31
"The deep ruby/purple-hued 2016 Syrah Horseshoe Vineyard is for those who like a little blood and meat in their Syrah. Crazy notes of blackcurrants, beef blood, ground stems, and pepper all emerge from the glass, and this puppy is medium to full-bodied, has good concentration, loads of tannins, and a great finish. It's a primordial beast at the moment, so give bottles at least 3-4 years of bottle age."
REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES
Decanter
Score
99
Date
2025-09-11
"At 12 years tasted in August of 2025, this wine showcases the character of mountain Syrah, with floral, salty, and concentrated notes of crunchy, early-season blackberries. The delicate florals balance with the intense savoury, salty depth. Soy, smoke, iron, and meat all fill in here in a dazzling display. Earth, pine sap and cedar bark, smoked salt, silken and elegant, but powerful and impressive. An incredible expression of place, from the 2004 planted Horseshoe Vineyard."
Vinous
Score
96
Date
2017-05-01
Vinous
Score
95
Date
2016-07-01
Wine Advocate
Score
95
Date
2016-10-28